2027 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X: specs, price and what 1,250 hp means
The Corvette ZR1X pairs a twin-turbo V8 with a front electric motor for 1,250 hp. Here are the verified specs, the price and how to shoot one.
The Corvette ZR1X is the most powerful Corvette Chevrolet has built: 1,250 hp from a twin-turbo V8 and a front electric motor, with all-wheel drive and a claimed 0-60 mph time under 2 seconds. The 2027 car starts at $227,800, which is a lot for a Corvette and very little for anything else this quick.
Think of it as the ZR1 and the E-Ray put through a blender, then handed a fire extinguisher. The ZR1 supplies the 5.5-liter LT7 engine, the E-Ray supplies the idea of a front motor, and the result rewrites what a car from Bowling Green, Kentucky, is allowed to do against European hypercars.
Key specs
| Engine | 5.5L twin-turbo flat-plane-crank V8 (LT7) plus front electric motor, eAWD |
|---|---|
| Power | 1,250 hp combined (1,064 hp V8 plus 186 hp motor), 973 lb-ft, claimed |
| 0-60 mph | 1.89 seconds, claimed (2027 model) |
| Top speed | 233 mph on track, claimed |
| Price (US$) | From $227,800 (2027 model) |
| On sale | Production started in December 2025 at Bowling Green, Kentucky |
All figures are Chevrolet’s. The 2027 0-60 mph claim of 1.89 seconds is more conservative than the 1.68 seconds Chevrolet quoted at launch, which it measured on a prepared drag surface.
Quick facts
- The ZR1X uses an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission for the rear axle, with the electric motor driving the front wheels.
- Chevrolet claims a quarter mile of 8.99 seconds at 157 mph for the 2027 model.
- A Stealth Mode lets the car run on electric power alone at up to 45 mph, which neighbors will appreciate at 6 a.m.
- The 2026 model launched at $207,395, so the 2027 price is a noticeable step up.
- It is built alongside every other C8 Corvette at the Bowling Green Assembly Plant.
Pros and cons
Pros
- It delivers hypercar acceleration for a fraction of hypercar money.
- All-wheel drive means the power actually reaches the road on cold mornings.
- The electric-only mode makes early starts less antisocial.
- It still has a usable front trunk and the familiar Corvette cabin.
Cons
- The 2027 price is roughly $20,000 above the launch price of the 2026 car.
- A car this fast needs a track to make sense of more than a fraction of its ability.
- Dealer markups on early cars are likely, so the sticker is only a starting point.
Why it matters
For decades the Corvette argument was simple: more speed per dollar than anything from Europe. The ZR1X keeps that argument and moves it into territory once owned by cars costing well over $1 million. A claimed 1.89-second 0-60 mph time puts it in the same conversation as dedicated electric hypercars, and it does so with a V8 that still sounds like a V8.
It also matters because of the way it gets there. The hybrid system is not there for fuel economy; it is there to put power to the front wheels and fill the gaps while the turbos spool. That is the same playbook Ferrari uses in the 849 Testarossa, and it is a sign of how high-end performance cars will be built for the rest of this decade.
Finally, it is a halo in the old-fashioned sense. Few people will buy one, but plenty will walk past a Stingray in a showroom with the ZR1X on their mind.
How to photograph the ZR1X
The ZR1X wears a lot of carbon fiber and big aero, so light from the side is your friend. At a car show, shoot the front three-quarter at a low height with a 35mm to 50mm lens, and step back far enough to avoid stretching the nose. Our guide to photographing at car shows covers how to work around crowds and harsh overhead light.
On track, this car arrives faster than you expect. For panning, start around 1/250s to freeze the wheels a little, then drop toward 1/80s as your technique settles. The best camera settings for motorsport guide lists starting points for shutter speed, autofocus mode and burst rate.
Verdict
The ZR1X is the most extreme Corvette yet and, on paper, one of the quickest production cars on sale in the US. At $227,800 it is no longer a bargain in absolute terms, yet it still undercuts European rivals with similar numbers by a wide margin.
If you want the fastest thing Chevrolet makes, this is it. If you want the most fun Corvette for the money, a Stingray or a Z06 will feel closer to the old formula, and you will still have enough left over for a set of track tires.
Frequently asked questions
How much horsepower does the Corvette ZR1X have?
Chevrolet rates the ZR1X at 1,250 hp combined. The 5.5-liter twin-turbo LT7 V8 makes 1,064 hp and drives the rear wheels, while a front electric motor adds 186 hp and drives the front wheels. Combined torque is rated at 973 lb-ft. That makes it the most powerful Corvette Chevrolet has built so far.
How fast is the Corvette ZR1X from 0-60 mph?
Chevrolet lists 1.89 seconds for the 2027 model. At launch it quoted 1.68 seconds, measured on a prepared drag surface, which explains the gap. Either number is manufacturer data rather than an independent test, so real-world times will depend on the surface, the tires and the temperature on the day.
How much does the 2027 Corvette ZR1X cost?
Chevrolet’s website lists the 2027 ZR1X from $227,800. The 2026 model was announced at $207,395 when pricing was revealed in August 2025. Options, taxes and any dealer markup are extra, and early demand for limited-production Corvettes has historically pushed transaction prices well above the sticker.
Is the ZR1X a plug-in hybrid?
No. The ZR1X is a hybrid, but it charges its battery from the engine and braking rather than from a wall socket. The battery is small and exists mainly to feed the front motor. A Stealth Mode allows short electric-only driving at up to 45 mph, but this is not a car you commute in on electric power.
